Outboard motor on Hunter 240

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Norm Lee

I am in the process of buying a new 2000 Hunter 240. It comes with a Nisson 5hp long shaft motor. In looking at the "well" in which the motor sits it appears that it will be diffuclt to access this motor to operate it. Is this true or is it easier than it looks like it will be? Should I upgrade this motor to one with external tank and remote controls. Also, would it be wise to get one with charging capability, and four stroke? Thanks for any help you can give me, Norm
 
E

Eric C Lindstrom

You get used to it ...

It IS a heck of a stretch to the controls on any outboard from the cockpit. All of my gear controls are on the tiller arm of my Merc 8 so that makes it a bit easier. I've extended the tiller arm of the outboard which also helped. Plans to "control" the steering of the outboard with the boat tiller this winter.
 
R

Rick Webb

My Suggestion

Definitly go with a 4 stroke. I also have a Mercury on my 23.5 (just about the same as a 240) and having the gear selector on the handle has made it alot easier to manuver into the slip at times when all of my inputs are wrong. If you have power at your slip or whereever you park the trailer you may be better off with a second battery than an alternator on your motor.
 
E

Ed Knebel

4 stroke

I agree with Rick on the 4 stroke. The lack of an oil slick behind your engine while you wait for the Kent Narrows bridge to open, a definite plus. There is a wide variety of charging/battery capacity options, your usage will determine what works best for you. Most outboard have modest output of 3-5 amps, which means topping up of battery, or being able to light the navigation lights when the engine is on. If a outboard alternator is availble, it increases your options while cruising. I am in your area, so when you get your boat, perhaps we can met on the water. I have a '93 23.5 on a slip in round bay. My email is edk7849166@aol.com, kinda rolls of the tongue, doesn't it? I sail till the water gets hard (mid january), so the season isn't over yet.
 
K

ken.shubert

Sailing or motoring?

A 5hp Nissan is the most economical way to go, for sure. It's reliable and adequate. If you plan to motor a lot, have currents or tides to contend with or if money is no object...... move up to a 4 stroke with more power. Mysingle cylinder OBM is "buzzy" and vibrates the whole cockpit but I just can't justify anything better since we only use 2 or 3 gallons of fuel per season. Some folks sail in and out of the slip without motors at all and I admire their spirit. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
 
A

Alan Long

My 2 cents

I've had a total now of three motors on my 23.5. A 1995 Johnson 9.9 4 stroke that was quiet, smooth,efficient and incredibly unreliable. After that a 2 stroke 5 hp Evinrude that was noisy, buzzy, ineffient and reliable. I now have a Honda 4 stroke 9.9 that is incredibly quiet and fuel efficent, but I haven't had it long enough to know about reliability. I think that you have to look at how you will use the boat. From my experience I find that I am able to sail much less than I originally thought. There might be no wind in the summer or we just want to get to a particular place in a reasonable amount of time that is straight upwind. With a screaming, smoking, vibrating two stroke you will sail more than you motor, simply because the motor is unpleasant. With the 9.9 4 stroke motoring isn't bad...its quiet enough to be inoffensive and you will be able to sail further on a weekend because you can have a pleasant motor back. Soooo...the question is...do you see yourself as a sailing purist or are you willing to compromise a bit and motor more? The 9.9 four stroke is right for me. Alan Long S/V Random Access
 
M

Michael

Merc 8 Long Shaft

I have the Merc 8 long shaft, 2 stroke engine on our 240. I had originally had a Mariner 5 on it and found that it was not enough to get through the currents in a tough area in our channel. I went out and bought a brand new Merc 8 and on the second use it proceeded to die in the middle of the channel. It's been replaced with another new Merc 8 and have had no problems since. It's a great motor. I agree with the poster who earlier asked if you minded engine noise. The 2 stroke is a little louder than I would like, but I couldn't justify spending the money for the 4 stroke. I found that it was a significant amount more for the 4 stroke. So......I would say that an 8hp is the smallest I would put on it. Yes the controls are on the tiller which makes things easier, but still a little difficult to control everything at times.
 
B

Brian Kile

If I were to buy the240 again...

I would get the Honda 8HP, 4 stroke long shaft w/remote ctrl. Nothing against Tohatsu or the others... It even has elect start and power trim options. I have the Honda 5 and it is a pain maneuvering around the docks when the clutch and throttle are a big lean away from the tiller area. I could use a little more power as well. I am gathering the remote parts now to fix this reach problem. I can live with the pull start and the power issue. Have no comment on the charge option.... don't really need it. I also installed a connecting rod from the rudder to the motor, as the motor would drift too much. Big plus in control. Brian
 
J

Joe R

Honda 8

We are using the 4 stroke Honda 8. The 4 stroke power is a plus and a necessity. No problem with the controls back on the motor, however there is a brief instant when I have to turn & reach back to hit reverse and throttle up to stop the boat in the slip. (haven't hit the bow yet) Wouldn't want a 2 stroke, every one at the marina complains of lack of power with a 2-stroke. I use the boat 2 to 4 times/week during the season. We spend less than $20.00/year on gas.
 
C

Charlie

9.9 Honda

We are at the end of our second season with the H240 with a Honda 9.9 4 stroke. Reaching back to change gears is at first a problem until you get used to it. Remote would be nice. They are more expensive, however we can converse while motoring out, don't have to yell from bow to stern docking, and very little exhaust smell. No problems with the motor and so far a joy to have on board. Charlie "Good Medicine"
 
R

Rick Webb

If price is an issue

I would wait on some of the other gear and put the little extra towards the four stroke. After a few noisy trips with the two stroke you will reconsider your purchase and in alot of places two strokes are already prohibited. I can't wait to get rid of mine and get a four stroke, but the damn thing runs too well and always starts on the first pull so it will have to wait untill the outboard fairy pays me a visit.
 
G

george van Hoey

a motor for the Hunter 240

Dear, We are using the 240 in the belgium and Hollands waters , we use to have a boat how is very easely to steering .We have 2 solutions buth please note that it is naisesairely to have a remote panel on the motor . When you have one experimently spirit you can easely plaese the remote control of the motor in the insite of the stearboard hatch of the cockpit , I mient the hatch how cover the window above the battery location .We are using always Yamaha 4 stroke motore of 9.9 hp to connect the remote control to the motor we use mechanical cabel of 10 feet long . Please not that you must please one adional spring on the gascabelarm of the motor otherways you risk a situation waarin the motor is turning to fast on the moment that you change the direction of the propeller . The raisen is the mechanical friction in the cabel . Ons you are going to start sailing you stop the motor and closing the hatch , this result in a situation that the remote control of the motor dont is in the way. I have sent Hunter some fotographs of this solution meaby you can ask them to sent this pikters to you . regards george
 
J

Jeff Davis

remote control photo

I just bought a Honda 8hp extra long and was thinking about a remote control. I would love to see photos of your installation inside the starboard lazarette. I never thought of that one. I was thinking of attaching it to the rails on that side somehow.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.